Symptoms

You can have significant pericardial effusion without signs or symptoms, particularly if the fluid has increased slowly.

If pericardial effusion symptoms do occur, they might include:

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing (dyspnea)
• Discomfort when breathing while lying down (orthopnea)
• Chest pain, usually behind the breastbone or on the left side of the chest
• Chest fullness
• Swelling in the legs or abdomen

When to see a doctor

Call 911 or your local emergency number if you feel chest pain that lasts more than a few minutes, if your breathing is difficult or painful, or if you have an unexplained fainting spell.

See your doctor if you have shortness of breath.